The first accident on Hwy 35 at about 10:35 a.m. south of Hoskins near Peace Church occurred when a northbound pickup driven by Charles Timmer, 81, of Hoskins crossed the center line and struck a southbound semi tractor and trailer nearly head-on. Timmer was taken to FRHS by Norfolk Fire/Rescue with head injuries. The semi driver was not injured and it is believed that Timmer suffered a medical episode just prior to the collision. Hoskins/Woodland Park Rescue and Stanton County Emergency Management assisted the Sheriff’s office at the scene and Life-Net medical helicopter was cancelled. The accident blocked a portion of the highway for about one hour. Seatbelts were not in use and the pickup was considered a total loss. **UPDATE** Timmer was later lifeflighted to UNMC in Omaha and is listed in critical condition as of Tuesday morning.
The second accident occurred about 10:50 a.m. on Hwy 275 about three miles west of Pilger when a westbound car driven by Meghan Rankin, 40, of Wisner lost control and overcorrected and then left the roadway and rolled into a small tree line. Rankin had to be extricated from the wreckage using the “Jaws of Life” and was transported to FRHS by Pilger Rescue. Seatbelts and airbags were in use and deployed lessening her injuries. The vehicle is considered a total loss and the Sheriff’s office was assisted by Stanton County Emergency Management at the scene. A civilian tractor was also used to stabilize the vehicle.
